Lagatar24 Desk
Jammu: The annual Amarnath Yatra was suspended on Thursday following continuous heavy rainfall and a fatal accident along the Baltal route in Ganderbal district, where a woman pilgrim died after being hit by a shooting stone. This marks the first suspension from Jammu since the Yatra began on July 3.
Mudslide triggers panic, rescue ops launched
In a dramatic video shared online, a mudslide was seen sweeping devotees along the Baltal track. Two pilgrims were dragged by the torrent but rescued by fellow yatris. Many were seen clinging to railings to save themselves. Teams from NDRF and SDRF were deployed swiftly to conduct rescue and evacuation operations, while the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) began restoration work on the damaged route.
Yatra paused until further notice
Officials confirmed that the Yatra will remain suspended until the track is restored and safe for pilgrims. The suspension affects both the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route and the 14-km Baltal track, which, although shorter, is steeper and more prone to landslides during bad weather.
So far, over two lakh devotees have visited the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine, with security on high alert due to threats. The pilgrimage, which is heavily guarded by troops, paramilitary forces, and local police, is scheduled to continue until August 9, though weather and safety conditions will dictate future movement.
